Upgrade help

Posted by: Tsvikab on 10 March 2014

Hi,

I am currently using a SN and streaming audio from my Synology NAS through an aTV fed into a digital input of the SN.

I am looking for an upgrade option and I am considering:

1. Adding an nDAC (using it instead of the built in DAC of the SN)

2. Adding an NDX (replacing my aTV)

 

I would like to get an advise here.

 

thanks

Posted on: 10 March 2014 by AntonD

Hi

your direction is correct, SOURCE 1st!

both options you mention will be a significant improvement on sound.

NDX gets you the stream application which a nice way to browse. Also Internet radio is excellent.

nDAC gets you loads of inputs and you would still use your aTV as the driver for selection, etc...

they probably both have a different sound though. Not a case of one is better than the other, it's a case of which YOU prefer.

they are both excellent source options though!

keep us posted on your decision. 

ATB, Anton

Posted on: 10 March 2014 by Tsvikab

Thanks a lot

Posted on: 10 March 2014 by trickydickie

I'm coming at this as an NDX owner who has not heard an NDAC but one thing I do have is an Apple TV connected to a digital input on the NDX.

 

The Apple TV into the NDX does not sound great, the different in sound quality compared to the NDX native is substantial.  A Sonos fed into the NDX is closer but also not as good.  Source first always rules!

 

In my opinion if you go down the NDAC route, which by all accounts is a fine choice the Apple TV needs to go and be replaced by something better.

 

Richard

Posted on: 10 March 2014 by Sloop John B
The NDX makes more sense as it will improve upon the DAC in your SN and improve the streamer above the Apple TV.

You can do everything in one step. I own the DAC and like it but think a DAC will only involve you in upgrading other aspects of the chain and perhaps in the end only get you to NDX quality
Posted on: 10 March 2014 by Fueller

I had this choice about a year ago with sonos as my (then) streaming source. The NDX/NDAC sounded different at the store demo with the ndac having more detail but something else was missing compared to the NDX presentation. I was struggling to decide between the two so I took the ndac for home demo for a week and for me there was not enough difference between it and the supernait internal dac to justify the £2k. I went with the NDX and have never looked back. The overall sound is rich and musical and the system integration, hires support, nstream and 2 classic size boxes are also a big part of the appeal for me.   

Posted on: 10 March 2014 by Tsvikab

Hi,

 

Thanks for your advise.

I was leaning towards the NDX direction and now I am even more sure

 

Posted on: 10 March 2014 by Scooot
Hi,
Have you got a hicap on the sn.
If not you could dem :-
Nd5xs and hicap on the sn.

Scott
Posted on: 10 March 2014 by hungryhalibut

Or get a used NDX and still have money for the Hicap. With a Snait, the NDX is the obvious choice.

Posted on: 10 March 2014 by Klout10

What kind of speakers are you using?

 

Posted on: 11 March 2014 by Tsvikab

Hi,

I do not have a hicap yet.

I use Wilson Benech Orator speakers

Posted on: 11 March 2014 by Scooot
Hi,
You really should have a listen for yourself.HH has made a valid point if you want to go the pre loved route,ndx and a hicap.
One thing I can say is alough not strictly source first rule when I added a non dr hicap to my then sn 1 it made a substantial improvement in all areas.

Scott